June 3 Ride for Kids: $262,715 Raised

Heading into June, the Ride for Kids season is going strong. Motorcyclists in Atlanta, Richmond and Albuquerque kicked off the month by raising $262,715 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) yesterday.

Atlanta riders bring $139,000

The Ride for Kids program began in Atlanta 29 years ago, and the annual event is a highlight for local riders. This year they brought $139,004 in contributions to the PBTF.

Starting from North Point Mall in Alpharetta, the ride made its way to the north Georgia mountains with brain tumor survivors Maddie, Mandy, Stacy, Julia, and Jessica.

These “stars” spoke to the crowd of 600 in Dahlonega after the ride. “I’m here today, 20 years after being diagnosed as a child, living proof that research works,” said Mandy. “I’m grateful for all of you and what you do.”

Sunny skies matched the mood of the crowd at the 10th annual Richmond Ride for Kids. The event raised $69,156 for the PBTF.

Motorcyclists came to honor local brain tumor survivors Amy, Denise and Kevin, who led the scenic ride from the Times-Dispatch in Mechanicsville, Va.

Afterward, the 250 participants heard from these “stars” as well as Dr. Oren Becher, a researcher at the PBTF Institute at Duke University.

“The only way to get better therapies that are less toxic is through research that your money is helping us to find,” Becher said. “Thank you for your support in helping to find a cure for this disease.”

The Richmond Ride for Kids was organized by many dedicated volunteers, led this year by Mike Seibert, Pete Nelson, Mark Johnson and Ellaine Wilson.

Land of Enchantment ride tops $54,000

New Mexico hosted its seventh Ride for Kids on June 3, and local motorcyclists contributed $54,555 to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

The PBTF uses the funds for medical research and family support that helps Albuquerque brain tumor survivors like Jaiden, Octavio, Sage, Simmie, Megan, Matthew, and Danielle.

As the “stars” of the day, they had a place of honor in the ride as it left Mesa del Sol Fields at Journal Pavilion. The route included a lap around Napa Speedway and gorgeous desert scenery.

After the ride, Matthew’s mother thanked the 150 participants for contributing to her son’s progress. “When you get to see the kids moving on is what makes what you do so worthwhile and rewarding,” she said.

Local volunteers worked hard all year on this event. Special thanks went to task force leaders Rick and Lynda Howell, Jackie Cooke, and Ralph and Robynn French.

About the PBTF Ride for Kids Ride for Kids supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) by funding medical research and family support programs. The organization thanks their presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The next Ride for Kids events are on Sunday, June 10 in Cleveland and Golden, Colo. Learn more at rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.